Redlands, CA Home Business: Cottage Food Operations (2026)

California's Cottage Food law (Health and Safety Code Section 113758, enacted by AB-1616, with Government Code Section 51035) bars a city from prohibiting a cottage food operation in a residence: the city must either classify it as a permitted residential use for zoning or grant a nondiscretionary permit subject to reasonable standards for spacing, traffic, parking, and noise. Redlands therefore treats a home food business as a home occupation: it requires a business license and Home Occupation Permit, and the City's home-occupation conditions (floor-area limit, no employees beyond residents, generally no customers, no signs) apply as the City's reasonable operating standards. Food safety itself is regulated by San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services (EHS), the local enforcement agency. The County's guidance states an applicant must first obtain approval from the city planning department, then register as a Class A operation (direct sales only; self-certification checklist, no kitchen inspection) or obtain a Class B permit (direct and indirect sales; requires a home-kitchen inspection). All food preparers must obtain a San Bernardino County food handler certification within three months of registration or permitting. Applicants should confirm the home-occupation step with the Planning Division (909-798-7555) and the food permit with EHS.